Buddleia is ‘new Japanese Knotweed’ claims invasive species expert
The popular plant is just as invasive as Japanese Knotweed according to UK firm specialising in eradicating invasive plants.
Despite its beauty and popularity among gardeners and butterflies, Buddleia has now been classified as ‘highly invasive’ and is capable of causing substantial damage to buildings, according to Invasive plant expert David Layland from Japanese Knotweed Control.
Like the notorious Japanese Knotweed, Buddleia can spread rapidly and prove difficult to eradicate.”
“Like the notorious Japanese Knotweed, Buddleia can spread rapidly and prove difficult to eradicate. While Japanese Knotweed spreads through underground rhizomes, Buddleia disperses via airborne seeds that can germinate in cracks and crevices,” he says.
“Each Buddleia plant can generate up to 1 million seeds and can travel some distance in the wind. This invasive plant can reach heights of 15 feet and has a fibrous root system that can easily penetrate the top layer of soil.
“Seeds can germinate in crevasses within structures and roots stretch into cracks causing property damage.
Millions of pounds in damage
Layland adds: ‘Despite not being officially listed as a Schedule 9 species, Buddleia has caused millions of pounds in property damage across the UK and amazingly, is still available to purchase from garden centres and online retailers.”
According to Layland, both plants are problematic and equally difficult to control or remove. But, with the right approach, they can both be eradicated either by herbicides or excavation, although he does advise that you should always consult a professional before doing anything.
Budldleia is not the only plant to be named as ‘the new knotweed’ after similar predictions for bamboo.
